It is important to remember that dental caries is caused by infection. This is due to the accumulation of bacterial plaque and the damage caused by these microorganisms to the tooth structure through the production of acid during the digestion of food. Consequently, the treatment of caries will always consist of two essential parts: the elimination of the infection and the repair and reconstruction of the affected tooth to fully restore its functionality.
The dentist will make a treatment decision based on two main variables. Firstly, the degree to which the tooth is affected will be assessed by means of a thorough examination and the support of dental X-rays. Secondly, in the case of children, it will be determined whether the affected tooth is a baby tooth or a permanent tooth. In the case of permanent teeth, it will be verified whether the roots have completed their formation, as this will influence the type of treatment to be applied, which could differ from the treatment recommended for adults.
